Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 900
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 aims to improve understanding and awareness of sinkhole risks by directing the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to create maps and conduct studies on areas prone to sinkholes. Sinkholes are depressions in the ground caused by the collapse of surface layers, often due to water-related issues. This legislation seeks to support community planning and emergency response by providing accessible data on these hazards.
Key Provisions
- Program Establishment: The USGS Director must create a program, funded by congressional appropriations, to:
- Study short-term and long-term causes of sinkholes, such as extreme storms, prolonged droughts, shifts in water management, aquifer depletion (the draining of underground water layers), and other major changes in water use.
- Develop maps showing zones at higher risk of sinkhole formation.
- Data Utilization: Maps will incorporate 3D elevation data—detailed measurements of land height and shape—collected under the National Landslide Preparedness Act.
- Map Reviews and Updates: The USGS must review and potentially revise the maps at least every five years, or more frequently if needed.
- Public Access: The USGS will maintain a public website displaying the maps and other useful information for community planners (those who design land use and development) and emergency managers (officials who prepare for and respond to disasters).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces a new, dedicated USGS program for sinkhole hazard mapping, which does not appear to exist in current federal law. It builds on the National Landslide Preparedness Act by requiring the use of its data collection methods but expands focus specifically to sinkholes, a related but distinct geological risk. No amendments to prior laws are specified; this is primarily a standalone directive.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The USGS will gain new responsibilities for research, mapping, and website maintenance, potentially requiring additional funding and staff. State and local governments may benefit from federal data to inform their own hazard planning.
- Citizens: Residents in sinkhole-prone areas (common in regions like Florida, Texas, and parts of the Midwest) could access better information to avoid building homes or infrastructure in high-risk zones, potentially reducing property damage and injuries from sinkholes.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the legislation focuses on domestic geological mapping within the United States.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- USGS and Federal Agencies: Primary implementers responsible for studies, mapping, and data dissemination.
- Community Planners and Emergency Managers: Local and state officials who will use the maps and website for land-use decisions, building codes, and disaster preparedness.
- Citizens and Property Owners: Individuals in at-risk areas, including homeowners, farmers, and developers, who may adjust decisions based on the risk information to mitigate personal and financial losses.
- Environmental and Water Management Groups: Organizations involved in aquifer protection and water policy, as the studies address water-related causes of sinkholes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The act is straightforward, relying on appropriations for funding, which means implementation depends on Congress approving budgets. It promotes inter-agency coordination by leveraging existing data laws but imposes no new enforcement mechanisms or penalties.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it falls under Congress's authority to direct federal agencies like the USGS for public safety and scientific research, without infringing on states' rights or individual liberties.
- Political: Enhances national resilience to natural hazards, aligning with broader efforts on climate and disaster preparedness. It could face debates over funding priorities in a budget-constrained environment but is likely non-controversial due to its focus on public safety without regulatory burdens.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3223)
- 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 900.
- 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3223-3224)
- 2025-07-14: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-07-02: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 147.
- 2025-07-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-182.
- 2025-07-02: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-182.
- 2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-04-09: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)
- Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (2 pages)
- Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (3 pages)
- Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-02 — PDF (6 pages)